13 Mar Patience
It’s all about control
Teaching children patience helps them learn about control. They discover that there are things they have control over and things they don’t.
They start to test their limits and see what they can get away with (that’s another topic – boundaries – but we’re not going there today). When you praise them for their positive actions, they realise they have control over their behaviour.
Children benefit when they know they have choices. Learning they can control how they choose to react to people and situations is empowering. A child grows in confidence as they learn about control – and self-discipline.
As your child learns patience, they discover it is an entity with no limits.
Sometimes it’s easy, then other times it’s hard. When emotions are involved, it’s even more difficult.
How you teach patience to your child can be simple. And difficult.
Opportunities arise all the time to teach your child about patience. The simple way is to tell them about it as you, or they, practice patience.
For example, when you find yourself in certain situations, like waiting in the check-out line at the grocery store. You can explain to your child that you are practising patience as you wait in line for others to finish before you. Any waiting line will do – petrol stations, fast food places, and department stores.
The difficult way is role-modelling it to them. It can be challenging but very worthwhile. What you role model is what your child will do if your child sees you practice patience, self-discipline and self-control, they are likely to model your behaviour.
By flying off the handle when you react to people and situations with aggression or anger, your child is likely to do the same.
Your child will pull you up on what you say and what you do if your words and actions aren’t aligned.
Your child will benefit if your words and actions do. They will also learn how to respect you. What do you want for your child?
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